Newcastle Life Issue 9

ISSUE 9

SCHOOL’S COMMUNITY SPIRIT

Beer and gin fund raiser

Life

300 years of history

Unitarian Meeting House Anniversary

THREE CHANCES TO

WIN

• Trentham Monkey Forest • West Midland Safari Park • Strictly Eric at The New Vic

CONTENTS

ISSUE 9 Editor’s letter ..............................................6 Jazz and Blues Festival...............................8

Keele Patient Involvement........................10 Clayton Hall Academy...............................12 Newcastle Bridge Club ..............................13

Gardening .................................................28

Photo Corner.............................................32

What’s On .................................................34 Silverdale Dash and Fun Run...................36 Newcastle Poet ..........................................37

Award Winning Film Students.................38

Lions Giveaway .........................................39 Unitarian Meeting House.........................40

North Staffs Symphony Orchestra............14

Heritage Lottery Fund ..............................42

Stage Directions........................................20

Quiz ...........................................................44

Seabridge Primary School.........................18

Trent Art Gallery.......................................22 Recipe For Life..........................................24 Competitions.............................................25

Newcastle Sports Awards .........................43

Health and Wellbeing ...............................45

Legal Matters ............................................48

Motoring ...................................................49

Laura Campbell Contents Editor laura@timesandecho.co.uk Sophie Cotton Tracey Wardle Design & Production Thomas Brian Advertising Manager tom@timesandecho.co.uk Mobile: 07855 242693 Jane Walters Advertising Sales jane@timesandecho.co.uk Times, Echo & Life Publications 18 Tape Street, Cheadle, Stoke-on-Trent ST10 1BD Tel: 01538 752214 www.timesechoandlife.co.uk life@timesandecho.co.uk

A warm welcome to Issue 9 of Newcastle Life magazine!

e're halfway through the year already and for many of us, thoughts are turning to summer holidays, sunshine getaways, time off work and school holidays. By this time of year I think most of us are well and truly ready to switch off and relax, put up our feet and savour the sunlight on a well deserved holiday. And perhaps when you're packing your suncream and your flipflops, you may want to pop your copy of Newcastle Life in your suitcase to read by the pool!

But for those of us who are not jetting off to exotic destinations this year, don't be dismayed, as there's plenty going on here in Newcastle under Lyme. Whether it be summer holiday activities for the kids, fabulous festivals, home grown farmers markets, fun filled concerts and celebrations, our town certainly has it all and we have a full round up of dates for your diary in this issue.

We also take a look back at some of the fantastic events which have already taken place in the town this summer, as well as finding out a bit more about long-standing institutions including our Unitarians Meeting House and our Bridge Club as well as what some of our younger people have been up to with their sports and drama achievements.

Many of us will have been affected by a health condition at some point or another, or know someone who has, so in this issue we chat to the team at Keele University's Research Institute for Primary Care, who are calling on members of the public in Newcastle to share their health stories to improve how they do health research. You could really make a positive difference to how patients are treated by their GPs and practice nurses.

And, to top it all off, we have our lovely regular features to inspire you in the kitchen and in the garden so you can make the most of the days when you’re not lounging by the beach!

So whether you're taking a break to enjoy the wonderful sights the UK has to offer, or you are getting ready to wave goodbye to our lovely British 'summer' for a few weeks enjoy, and we will see you in the September issue.

W

Laura

Did you know that you can read Newcastle Life online?

Visit www.timesechoandlife.co.uk

COVER PHOTO: Paul Campbell 6 Newcastle Life Issue 9

Find us on Facebook search for Newcastle Life Magazine

JAZZ AND BLUES FESTIVAL

SINGING THE BLUES

Jazz and Blues Festival takes over town

usicians of all ages showcased their talents at the 12th annual Newcastleunder-Lyme Jazz and Blues Festival.

The event saw a stellar line-up of artists performing at more than 25 venues across the town centre, as well as performances in the street.

Taking place over the May bank holiday weekend, the festival attracted thousands of visitors into Newcastle and gave music lovers the chance to explore the many varieties of jazz and blues.

The festival also saw the return of Vinylmania, with VIP Record Fairs bringing traders from across the UK to the town centre with a vast array of records and cds for sale.

The Market Co. also put in an appearance, delivering an Artisan Market with exceptional produce and handcrafted items.

Family fun was the order of the day on the final day of the festival, with outdoor acts performing alongside a fairground, kids activities,

M

8 Newcastle Life Issue 9

face painting and a charity plant market.

Organised by Newcastle-under-Lyme Business Improvement District (BID), the Jazz & Blues Festival 2017, has proved a fantastic success.

BID support officer, Amy Williams, said: “2017 saw the Newcastle Jazz and Blues festival in its 12th year.

“This event has grown year on year and the calibre of talent at this year’s festival was second to none, with headliners such as Snake Davis and Ronnie Scotts All Stars.

“With over 23 venues taking part around the town welcoming over 120 different gigs it really was the place to be this Spring Bank Holiday.

“This festival could not go ahead without the support from the night time venues and this year we were able to boast having the Purple Flag status for town and city centres that meet or surpass the standards of excellence in managing the evening and night time economy - something which we are very proud of.”

JAZZ AND BLUES FESTIVAL

Newcastle Life Issue 9 9

LISTENING TO THE PATIENT VOICE KEELE PATIENT INVOLVEMENT

How you can use your experiences to change healthcare for the better

t some point in our lives we’ve all been affected by various health conditions for which we’ve needed treatment. Most people have visited their GP, seen the practice nurse, or even been to the hospital. But what we may not realise when we go for an appointment, is that behind the scenes our healthcare treatment is constantly evolving.

The development of new healthcare treatments through research is carried out each and every day. But in order for these treatments to remain relevant to patients, researchers need advice and input from the very people who live with the conditions they are trying to improve. Who is better to explain what it’s like living with arthritis, than an arthritis patient?

Now, residents living in Newcastle under Lyme are being given a fantastic opportunity to get involved with improving and shaping healthcare research, through the Research User Group at Keele

A

10 Newcastle Life Issue 9

University’s Research Institute for Primary Care and Health Sciences (iPCHS).

Whether you have osteoarthritis, chronic pain, rheumatoid arthritis or back problems, the iPCHS conducts research into a whole range of physical and mental health conditions that you may be interested in getting involved with.

Adele Higginbottom, who lives locally in Knutton, joined the Research User Group (affectionately known as the RUG) 11 years ago.

She has since joined the Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement team who support the RUG, and now works as their Project Coordinator.

Adele, who has fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis, told Newcastle Life magazine: “When I first joined the RUG I didn’t know what to expect and I have to say I was really nervous before my first meeting!

I’d not worked in years due to my conditions and I had lost a lot of my confidence.

“But after the first few visits here I felt a real sense of accomplishment, I came out feeling great and I really wanted to be a part of going forward.

It was incredibly rewarding to know that I could

KEELE PATIENT INVOLVEMENT

use my experiences to help other people.

“The experience helped me with my own conditions too, because it was the first time I’d ever met someone else with fibromyalgia.”

From its humble beginning back in 2006 with just a handful of patients taking part, the RUG now has 90 members from all over the region, each bringing their own experiences of health conditions to the table, to help and work in partnership with research teams. This “Expertise

by Experience” helps to produce high quality, patient centred, relevant healthcare research at the iPCHS. Recent studies that have been shaped by members of the public include the creation of an osteoarthritis guidebook, developed by patients for other patients and based on research produced at Keele, to self-manage their condition. This guidebook is now being translated for use by patients with osteoarthritis living in several European countries.

Adele continued: “You won’t be directly part of a trial or a study, which means you won’t be prodded and poked! I think a lot of people think of ‘research’ and imagine white lab coats but it’s not like that here at all.

“You are there simply to share your experiences of your own particular condition, in a bid to help researchers improve their projects and better care for patients and you can be involved as much or as little as you like – there’s

absolutely no pressure.”

At the moment, the team are particularly looking for people with: • Osteoarthritis • Rheumatoid Arthritis • Shoulder pain • Fractures or osteoporosis • Back pain • Ankylosing Spondylitis • Polymyalgia Rheumatica or Giant Cell Arteritis • Gout • Anxiety, depression or other mental health conditions • Younger people with any conditions who would like to be involved However health research covers a broad range of other conditions so please do get in touch.

The team are also looking for people with connections to: • Health charities • Patient Participation Groups (PPGs) in your local GP practices If you would like to get involved or would just like to know more, please email: ppi.primarycare@keele.ac.uk or call 01782 732929 For more information, visit www.keele.ac.uk/ppie/ Twitter: @keeleppi

QUOTES FROM PATIENTS WHO’VE SHARED THEIR EXPERIENCES TO SHAPE AND IMPROVE RESEARCH: “An extraordinary group of medics, academics and patients able to work together to make something effective that potentially will dramatically change the way doctors, consultants and health care professionals in general deal with their patients...quite breath taking.”

"I can bring my experience of being a parent and grandparent, a broad range of general knowledge and life experiences...most importantly, I can bring my knowledge of living with a range of arthritic conditions"

Newcastle Life Issue 9 11

BADMINTON BRONZE B CLAYTON HALL ACADEMY

adminton players at a Newcastle school have enjoyed sporting success at the highest level for pupils - becoming county champions and reaching third place nationally.

Clayton Hall Academy U16 boys badminton team claimed the bronze medal for third place at the National Schools Championship Finals which were held in May. The school has previously reached the national finals, placing 8th and 5th, but 2017 was the first time the U16s have reached a podium position.

In order to gain their place at the national finals the team had to win district, county and regional rounds and went on to represent the West Midlands - one of nine regions at the event.

Rob Rhodes, PE teacher at Clayton Hall Academy, was hugely impressed with the effort of the boys on the day.

He said: “For me it’s an accumulation of hard work from the players both in school and out of school.

“Their achievement this weekend is a reflection of their time, commitment and energy given to the sport over the years.

“I couldn’t wish this success on a nicer bunch, they have been a pleasure to watch grow and develop as players.

“It doesn’t stop here, each time we come back to these finals we get better and better.

“Our biggest ambition is to take a title one day, and this bunch of players have set a huge bench mark now for future teams to aspire to.

“Against grammar schools and boarding schools we are an ordinary high school going out on the biggest competing stage there is in school badminton.”

12 Newcastle Life Issue 9

As well as training at school, the players worked with local coach Ken Steele and got involved with local men’s teams to give themselves a fighting chance against the best in the country.

The Academy were generously provided with shirts for the entire squad by e-models based in the Potteries.

Clayton Hall Academy also celebrated a double success earlier in the year at the County Schools Badminton finals, which were held at Clayton Sports Centre for the first time in the event’s history.

Both the U14 and U16 Boys teams were crowned County Champions despite facing stiff opposition.

Mr Rhodes added: “The entire squad of badminton players are hungry and keen to progress every year and their commitment to the sport is superb. I can’t ask for anything more from them.”

NEWCASTLE BRIDGE CLUB

Bridging the gap... ...exercising the brain

s the population gets older, keeping the more senior generations fit and healthy throughout their advancing years is becoming increasingly difficult.

However there is a hidden secret right on our doorstep - Newcastle Bridge Club, a little known recreation activity which is great for exercising the brain.

Bridge is a social game of cards played with a partner against another pair of players and whilst it is easy to learn the basics, there is still plenty of room for skills development.

Newcastle Bridge Club has been a centre for teaching bridge for many years. It runs a weekly ‘Beginners’ course and an ‘Improvers’ course every year from September to April.

These evening courses enable people to play bridge at home with their friends or to enter the Bridge Club scene where they can test their progress and abilities against other pairs in ‘Duplicate’ sessions.

Lessons and duplicate sessions cost just £3 per session (which last about three hours). Some

A

duplicates are during the day and some are evenings.

These sessions are very much social occasions and are fun to take part in - many pairs make good friends with others as they learn. Singles are always fixed up with partners and there is a camaraderie which develops when mature people ‘go back to school’ and make the same beginners mistakes.

Newcastle Bridge Club member Viv said: “I am so pleased that I decided to learn to play bridge.

The lessons were excellent and joining in the sessions at the bridge club has opened a whole new social life. I don't miss work at all.”

Fellow member Tracy added "Six years on, still addicted, laughing and crying at my mistakes. A game for everyone not just for the clever and educated ones. Friendly, social and welcoming!"

So if you want to keep those grey cells active, whatever your age, think Bridge!

Tel. 01782 411737 (John Bridge) or 01782 871268 (Martin Aherne) For more information go to: www.bridgewebs.com/nulbc/

Newcastle Life Issue 9 13

NORTH STAFFS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

SPECIAL CONCERT MARKS

150th BIRTHDAY

he North Staffs Symphony Orchestra, together with the Arnold Bennett Society, wowed the crowds with a very special concert to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the birth of the Potteries writer in July.

In addition to being an author, successful journalist and political commentator, Bennett was also a successful playwright and is best known for his Five Towns novels and stories.

His love of music was also known and on Saturday, 1st July, his life and work was celebrated by The North Staffs Symphony Orchestra at St John Fisher Catholic College in Newcastle under Lyme.

The North Staffs Symphony Orchestra is one of the oldest in the world - was formed in 1904 by a local young musician, John Cope, who had recently returned to the Potteries from Munich where he had been studying the organ with Josef Rheinberger. He was encouraged to establish the orchestra by his former teacher and mentor, Madame Marie Reymond.

The orchestra was given the name of The Potteries Orchestral Society and drew amateur musicians from miles around the district. Their first concert was held in the Old Town Hall in Burslem, with a small audience.

T

14 Newcastle Life Issue 9

At the time, choral singing was a very strong tradition in The Potteries and the launch of a new purely orchestral music society was thought of as something superfluous. In fact it’s believed that many local choirs shunned the orchestra and Cope was often ridiculed by fellow choir masters. But Cope and his orchestra carried on.

In 1906 the orchestra changed its name to The North Staffordshire Orchestral Society, with just a year later changing again to The North Staffordshire Orchestra, and yet again in 1909 to The North Staffordshire Symphony Orchestra.

The orchestra continued to grow in stature under Cope's direction until in 1954 at its Jubilee concert he decided to retire. He died at his home in Charles Street, Hanley in April 1962 and was buried in the same grave as Marie Reymond in Hanley cemetery.

Today, the orchestra plays four major symphony concerts each year, performing in venues in Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastleunder-Lyme.

Concerts will recommence in September.

For more information and for tickets, visit www.nssoorchestra.co.uk

Home Carpets and Blinds

Est 27 years

CARPETS AND FLOORING

Full range of carpets including Berber, Twist, Saxony, Wilton, Axminster and commercial flooring

Carpets range from £2.99m2

We have a wide selection of carpets fitted at £6.99m2 including free underlay CUSHION FLOORING from £4.99m2 100s of LAMINATE SAMPLES from £8.99m2 KARNDEAN FLOORING from £19.99m2

THE FRESH APPROACH TO FLOORING

We can even uplift old flooring, move furniture and put it back in your room. We will even hoover up!!

BLINDS

All manufactured in house (so cut out the middle man) - 1000s of colours to choose from

Choose from vertical, venetian roller and roman blinds

Appointments available 7 days a week - daytime and evenings

07429 166608 or 01782 204060

CALL OUR HOTLINE 24 HOURS A DAY ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED

BETTASERVICES LTD

Incorp Betta Fe

DOMESTIC, COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL Specialists in groundwork clearance

Soil, Sand, MOT, Turf, Woodchip, Gravel, Cement & Crushed Brick

LANDSCAPE & GARDEN SERVICES • Paving • Landscaping • Fencing • Ground works • Turf laying • Garden maintenance • Artificial turf

ALL DELIVERED throughout Stoke-on-Trent

CLEARANCE & CLEANING • House Cleaning • House Clearance • Garage Clearance • Ground Clearance • Ground Works • Garden Clearance - overgrown, • Rubbish & Rubble Clearance

CALL TONY OR BECKY FOR A FREE QUOTE 01782 6595 24 HOURS A DAY - 7 DAYS A WEEK - FREE/SAME DAY ES Forest Enterprises, Dukes Lodge, Drayton Road, Hanchurch, ST4 8SN

Customer Satisfaction is our first priority - Special OAP rates - “No Job Too Big” - “No Job Too S

16 Newcastle Life Issue 9

orporating Betta Tree Services, Betta Turf, Betta Landscaping, a Fencing, Betta Gardens, Forest Enterprises, L & B Enterprises

AL AND AGRICULTURAL CONTRACTORS SUPPLIERS OF

EQUIPMENT HIRE

• Soil, turf, fencing and sleepers • Reclaimed landscape, building and garden materials • Suppliers of logs, woodchip, bark, mulches, soil and manure

• Digger hire - range Micro, Mini and larger machines • Ifor Williams Horse Box Trailers • 3.5 Tonne Horse Box • Trailer Hire, General purpose trailers, tipper trailers, Car transporters, Plant removal trailers • Wood Chipper Hire

TREE SURGERY • Qualified and very experienced • Any type, any size tree • Reductions, Crown Thinning • Felling • Stump grinding & removal • Arboriculture reports and planning applications

GENERAL SERVICES • Removals and general transport • Storage and parking facilities for individuals and small business

Book keeping & Accountancy work

59591 or 07884 350015 ESTIMATE

8SN

Too Small” - Fully Insured - Very experienced

• Small, medium and large companies, sole proprietors, shops, pubs, garages • Affordable fixed rates and payment plans • Book keeping, VAT, CIS, Payroll, Management Accounts, Self Assessment • Big problems, little problems, we love them all or if you’re in a mess give us a call.

Don’t worry we can sort it out

Newcastle Life Issue 9 17

SEABRIDGE PRIMARY SCHOOL

SCHOOL’S COMM Beer and Gin fund raiser at Seabridge Primary primary school threw open its doors to parents, families and neighbours in the Clayton area, for a fund raising beer and gin festival.

Seabridge Primary School in Clayton hosted the event in June as part of on-going fund raising by the school’s Parent Teacher Association.

The event took place on a hot, sunny Saturday, with parents, teachers and school staff joining with neighbours and the wider community for a day of fun, live music and games.

A range of speciality beers and gins were on offer throughout the event at the beer and gin bars and for those who prefered a bit of bubbly, a Prosecco bar was also available.

Home made treats such as cakes and sausage rolls were on hand along with hog roast and vegetarian options.

Local bands and artists took to the stage throughout the day, providing fantastic live musical entertainment.

Children’s games, donkey rides and a bouncy castle ensured a true family feel to the festival.

The festival was a huge success and the PTA thanked everyone who attended and helped organise the event.

In a Facebook post, a PTA spokesman said: “This was just the best day ever!

“All the hard work put in by staff and PTA members certainly made it worthwhile.

“Thank you to everyone who worked relentlessly and helped out on the day and especially to everyone who came along and supported the event.

“Special thanks goes to those who have worked tirelessly for the last few weeks organising the event, an amazing job was done and all the hard work certainly paid off.”

A

18 Newcastle Life Issue 9

SEABRIDGE PRIMARY SCHOOL

MMUNITY SPIRIT

Newcastle Life Issue 9 19

Stage Directions win

by Richard Lane

TICKETS TO SEE STRICTLY ERIC AT THE NEW VIC

e have teamed up with the awardwinning New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, to give away a pair of tickets to see Strictly Eric.

The’ Uncle Eric ‘ shows are hugely popular and have gained a cult status with the New Vic audiences, with their unique blend of humour and sixties music.

The 1969 World Ballroom Championships are taking place at the Tower Ballroom, Blackpool.

The two favourites are the couples from Germany and England and after three consecutive German victories the English couple are determined to win.

Eric and Gordon have been employed to help in the organisation by the tournament organiser, Arthur Strictly. Could this be Strictly’s biggest ever mistake? Or is that leaving the catering in the hands of a dinner lady? And surely Eric (he of the two left feet) is not going to dance… is he?

Come and find out what happens when Eric takes on the best ballroom dancers that ‘Strictly’ have to offer. Oh, and there are a remarkable number of great ’60s hits in the show as well!

W

To win two tickets to see any performance of the hilarious Strictly Eric, answer the following question:

Which M.P. did Anton du Beke partner in Strictly Come Dancing?

A) Theresa May

B) Margaret Thatcher

C) Ann Widdicombe

(CIRCLE YOUR ANSWER)

Name................................................. Address.................................................................................................................................. ................................................................................................................. Daytime phone no.........................................................

Please send your entry to Newcastle Life Magazine, 18 Tape St, Cheadle, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs, ST10 1BD. To be received by Tuesday 15th August 2017.

The production runs at the New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, from Monday 21st August to Saturday 2nd September. Tickets are non-transferable and are subject to availability.

20 Newcastle Life Issue 9

Newcastle Life Issue 9 21

TRENT ART GALLERY

AN ARTIST INSPIRED BY NORTH STAFFORDSHIRE

local lad who has become an artist with an International reputation now has his work on display at Trent Art Gallery in Newcastle under Lyme.

Artist Ian Mood, originally from Clayton, studied art at

A

North Staffordshire Polytechnic where he studied under Enos Lovatt who encouraged Ian’s love of life drawings. Ian went on to do a degree in fine art and after leaving university, whilst he worked as a graphic designer and in TV production his heart wasn't really in it and he found he was continually drawn back to painting.

Spending his summers in America his work quickly took off there and soon found his work was highly sought after in

galleries in Cape Cod and New York. But this artist’s roots remain in North Staffordshire.

“My first memories are of painting, sat on my grandad's knee at his house in Chell. I remember scribbling away on piles of the old computer paper that you used to get.

“I remember when we used to go on holiday, my grandad wandering off to paint. He was an architect, but he had some heart trouble and started painting for something to do.

He did a night class with

FROM NEWCAS TO NEW YO

Chatterly Whitfield 22 Newcastle Life Issue 9

TRENT ART GALLERY

(celebrated North Staffordshire Artist and ceramic designer) Reginald Hagger, who was really supportive of his work.

These early experiences defined and shaped Ian “ I knew I wanted to be an artist from an early age."

Years later, Ian is still inspired by his grandfather, Sid Meir, whose brushes he still uses, and in 2015 Ian was awarded the 'Frank Swift Chase Plein Air Award' in Nantucket.

STLE YORK

On the Beach

The area’s leading supplier of

Original Art

At Trent Art you can take the Art you love home today with an interest free loan from Own Art

0% Interest Rate 10 months equal installments with loans from £100 - £2500 for works by living artists Representative 0% APR

Trent Art Gallery, 19 Brunswick Street, Newcastle under Lyme, ST5 1HF Open Tuesday – Saturday

Tel: 01782 610588

Newcastle Life Issue 9 23

RECIPE FOR LIFE

SPINACH AND FETA QUICHE

f you’re planning on going along to one or all of the array of summer shows, festivals or events taking place in and around Newcastle this year why not rustle up this easy but delicious recipe?

It will make the perfect addition to your picnic hamper and can easily be enjoyed while you’re out and about.

I

You will need: 20–25cm ceramic flan dish or metal tin Ingredients: • 1 pack shortcrust pastry • 4 eggs • 150ml double cream • 75g feta, crumbled • 100g spinach, wilted

Method: 1.Preheat oven to 190'C/Gas mark 5 2. Line an oven proof dish with your homemade or shop bought pastry - ideally a 20-25cm round ceramic flan dish, but the shape isn't too important - leave some pastry hanging over the edge, it helps prevent shrinkage and you can cut it 24 Newcastle Life Issue 9

off once cooked 3. Wilt the spinach in a pan and set aside to cool once cooled squeeze out the liquid 4. In a measuring jug break 4 eggs and whisk 5. Add enough cream to make up 400ml (if using a 20cm tin) or 500ml (if using a 25cm tin) 6. Season and add spinach and pour into the pastry lined dish 7. Crumble in the feta 8. Bake in the oven for 25 minutes - until the egg mixture has set and risen 9. Leave to cool in tin - can be served hot or cold

Why not try...

Adding things to the quiche that you like: bits of cooked bacon, ham, sweet peppers, sweetcorn, broccoli, fresh herbs or tomatoes... but it's just as nice plain. For a crisper pastry base, prick the pastry all over with a fork and pre-cook for 10-15 minutes (blind - with no filling) before removing from the oven and adding the fillings, then return to the oven to finish cooking.

WIN A FAMILY PASS WEST Midland Safari Park is an award winning visitor attraction, located in Worcestershire in the heart of England.

It is home to a variety of all-weather attractions, including four miles of drivethrough safari, the largest animatronic dinosaur exhibit in the UK and two theme parks.

Since its grand opening in 1973 West Midland Safari Park has been home to a whole host of exotic species, such as bears, baboons and big cats. Presently around 140 different species call the park

home, including cheetah, lions, elephants, giraffe and rhino.

With its combination of amazing animals, exciting theme park rides and awesome exhibits, West Midland Safari Park is the ultimate family day out.

To be in with a chance of winning a family pass to West Midland Safari Park simply visit the competition page on our new website

www.timesechoandlife.co.uk.

Closing date: 30th September 2017

Visit our website for your chance to

WIN A FAMILY PASS and MONKEY SOFT TOY Trentham Monkey Forest is home to 140 free roaming Barbary macaques.

Walk amongst the monkeys and watch as they live in complete freedom within the 60-acre woodland.

Visitors are free to walk the ž of a mile pathway through the forest amongst the monkeys.

As well as information boards along the woodland walk, guides are situated throughout the forest to answer questions.

Plus, you can watch one of the hourly feeding talks to learn even more.

There is also an onsite information centre, video room, two play areas and Banana CafĂŠ and Jungle Shop.

To be in with a chance of winning a family pass to Trentham Monkey Forest and a monkey soft toy simply visit the competition page on our new website www.timesechoandlife.co.uk.

Closing date: 1st September 2017

Newcastle Life Issue 9 25

NOT JUST A CARVERY IT’S THE SUNDAY UNLIMITED

MEGA CARVERY HELP YOURSELF TO AS MUCH AS YOU LIKE AVAILABLE FROM 12 – 4PM SUNDAY £9.99 Adults £5.99 Kids (Under 10) We also offer a loyalty card to get your 5th carvery free

Our Sunday Carvery here at the Golden Keg is proving very popular with the locals, we don't just offer you traditional roast we also offer a Indian spiced marinated roast, FOUR tasty roasts in total, have ONE or sample them ALL the choice is yours!!. We don't just stop there we also offer a changing selection of INDIAN STARTERS. On any given Sunday you could be having Onion Bhaji's, Zafrani Tikka, Sizzling Chicken, Irani Chicken, Dalvada, garlic bread and chips for starters, then tuck into a plate full of Roast Topside Beef with some Turkey and roast pork on the side with all the trimmings all for £9.99!!

Facebook: Golden keG

26 Newcastle Life Issue 9

e

a r

a,

Golden Keg opened its doors in October 2016, very quickly the venue gained such a niche clientèle ranging from health authorities to major bluechip companies using its services for events.

Arun Patel the previous director of multi award winning restaurant 'Golden Moments of Walsall, West Midlands' received overall outright winner award for restaurant of the millennium 1999 and in addition slapped up the under £25 Category award three years running 1999, 2000 and 2001.

Other accolades include Midlands chef of the year 1999, Walsall Curry chef 2001, just to name a few.

Now Arun with the assistance of his two sons, have made Golden Keg a real Family business. Whilst Arun makes sure the kitchen's exquisite chef's still offer the food he was so proud of serving over two decades ago and his sons managing the front of house you will always be welcomed with a smile.

Arun and his family have created an extensive menu which includes a number of unique dishes to Golden Keg. Whilst offering a huge selection of English and Indian dishes, spicy or mild there’s something for everyone. The experienced and knowledgeable waitresses can also help you tailor-make your particular choice.

Also available to accompany your order is a wide selection of Draft beers, ales, wines and spirits from the bar. A special outside catering service is also at hand accommodating for weddings, seminars, presentations, etc for 10- 300 people. A collection only takeaway service is also available.

The ever popular Desi mixed grills, which has saved the West Midlands pub industry are available for the people of Staffordshire to indulge into.

So why not get down to Golden Keg and see what all the fuss is about!

Newcastle Life Issue 9 27

GARDENING

PRETTY IN PINK A cal M

By Martin Blow

y garden is so often full of the blazing hot colours of my helenium collection that at times it’s lovely to sit and relax surrounded by softer, calmer coloured flowers and what is more calming than pink.

There are so many shades of pink flower to choose, from the palest blush through to luxurious lipstick pink. Pink is an easy colour to combine – just avoid orange unless you like jarring clashes. Here are some of my summertime favourite pink flowers.

For early summer the pink drumsticks of the bistort (Persicaria bistorta Superba) are easy to grow in most soil types and look great paired with violet cranesbills. Later in the summer another Persicaria, Rosea, puts on a stunning show of tall stems covered with pale pink flowers over many months. Veronica Pink Damask creates a similar effect but on a far smaller scale.

28 Newcastle Life Issue 9

Another plant with upright stems and pink flowers is Lobelia Compton Pink. These perennial lobelias are nothing like the half-hardy bedding plants and they come back year after year to grace a sunny spot in the garden.

There are many lovely pink hardy geraniums to choose from. The low growing, sun loving “Elke” and “Striatum” are particularly tough and make a lovely edging against a patio or path. “Sherwood” is taller and has intriguing, rolled up petals.

Scent in the garden is very important and the border pink “Devon Wizard” has a spellbinding fragrance and bold, bright flowers that are also great for cutting. If you keep him deadheaded he will weave his magic right to the end of autumn For a moist or even wet soil, perhaps by a pond or stream then candelabra primulas are a good choice. One of the best pink flowered one is Beesiana because it isn’t too tall and floppy and it will grow in drier (but not too dry!) soils as well.

One of the most impressive pink flowers in my garden are the large, thistle-like, fuchsia-pink

GARDENING

alming colour to sit and relax beside heads of the Stemmacantha that erupt from pingpong ball sized silver buds in June and July. Once the flowers have finished the seed heads give prolonged interest and feed finches in winter.

Another striking looking flower is that of the Japanese Burnet (Sanguisorba Lilac Squirrel), affectionately known as the Barbara Cartland flower in our garden as the long, feathery, candy pink flowers look just like the one of the feather boas that might have graced the great lady’s outfits.

Echinacea (Coneflower) have become very popular over the last few years, but some of the new, exotically coloured varieties aren’t very hardy. I stick to the old, pink-flowered favourites like Ruby Star with its large pink daisy flowers and prickly, honey-scented cones. A must for bees and butterflies!

With so many lovely flowers and shades to choose from there’s no reason why your garden shouldn’t be pretty in pink the whole summer long!

Janet & I run Special Perennials, website www.specialperennials.com. We will be at the Plant Hunters’ Fairs at Carsington Water, Ashbourne DE6 1ST on Saturday 12th August (free entry to fair P&D parking); at the wonderful Dorothy Clive Garden TF9 4EU, Nr Brigemere on Sunday 27th and Monday 28th August, a great day out with entry to the stunning 12 acre gardens at a special low entry price of £3.50 and this includes the Plant Hunters' Fair as well!; Weston Park TF11 8LE on Sunday 10th September (special price entry of only £2.50 for the fair and gardens); Henbury Hall Garden, Macclesfield SK11 9PJ on Sunday 17th September entry to this lovely rarely open 12-acre garden and plant fair only £2.50 and at the stunning Abbeywood Gardens, Delamere CW 8 2HS on Sunday 24th September only £3.00 for the gardens and fair. Full details from www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk.

We are happy to bring orders to plant fairs for you to collect.

Newcastle Life Issue 9 29

x Get your premises protected

BEFORE your holiday BOOK NOW!

home GuArd INTRUDER ALARMS

NEWCASTLE LIFE stle Newca ifeNewc ast L ISSUE 2

Self monitoring systems wired or WIRE FREE (no mess) FREE viewing of your home world wide 24 hours by your mobile phone or other devices For a free survey call 24 hour on

01782 397 589 Visit our new website www.homeguardintruderalarms.co.uk

Life

dge Seabri dio Ra i

’s min School team media

Lymeli g FestRivOaTAhRtY l B

YOUR LOCAL SECURITY COMPANY established over 40 years and trained by former police officers AlArms - instAllAtions mAintenAnce & repAirs - serVice cctV - security liGhtinG - Fire systems

le

1 ISSUE

Four da CLU ys fuing a ak n filled m of usicM rence in ffe di

WIN

stle

Newca

TO EST ICKETNKEY FOR Oye ILY TWIN O Talented z! Oyez!

A FAMTHTICKE AM M TS town cr iers TREN TO FLIP battl e for tit

OUT!

le

Times, Echo & Life Publications, 18 Tape Street, Cheadle, Stoke-on-Trent ST10 1BD Tel: 01538 752214 www.timesechoandlife.co.uk www.facebook.com/newcastle.life Editorial: laura@timesandecho.co.uk Advertising: tom@timesandecho.co.uk

26

y expeears rienc

• Indian Stone • Block Paving • New Lawns • Artificial Grass • Fencing • Decking • Timber Sleepers • Gravel Work

Get ready for summer

e

DH LANDSCAPING Call 07905 555194 or 01782 850687 for a FREE QUOTE Based in Newcastle (ST5 3EJ)

30 Newcastle Life Issue 9

B JO O N OO T L AL SM

Inspirational designs for your home Stunning, affordable, quality We pride ourselves on our product quality and choice.

So, come and view our extensive range of top quality bathrooms, fires and stoves, all beautifully laid out in our spacious showroom and we guarantee you’ll leave inspired!

29 Liverpool Road, Kidsgrove, Stoke-on-Trent, ST7 1EA t. 01782 785965 w.www.ge-firesstovesbathrooms.co.uk

clayton upVc doors & windows ESTABLISHED FOR 30 YEARS FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTES • UPVC sample colour range available to view in your home We also supply a fit com nd posite doors

• Trusted, reliable, clean and tidy tradesmen

Call John on 01782 717 871

john.morrall@ntlworld.com

Get 30% OFF when you quote Newcastle Life Valid until 1.9.17 Newcastle Life Issue 9 31

Pack your camera PHOTO CORNER

TURN YOUR HOLIDAY SNAPS INTO BEAUTIFUL MEMORIES

s the weather improves and the days draw longer thoughts are turning to upcoming holidays and well deserved trips.

But will you be taking your camera with you this year? Whether it be a state of the art camera or your smartphone, it’s definitely worth thinking about capturing your holiday memories and the incredible sights that are to be enjoyed around the world.

Past President of Newcastle Camera Club Alan Mountford has been a member for thirty years.

He is now retired from factory management after more than forty years in the pottery industry and makes sure to take his camera on all his travels.

He has always favoured travel photography and is always looking for sights of interest, including brilliant views and magnificent structures, images that he says he finds ‘awesome and beautifully pleasing to the eye.’

These are some of Alan’s photos.

A

32 Newcastle Life Issue 9

PHOTO CORNER

Clockwise from above: • Biddulph Grange: A little closer to home, but you can do a world tour in a day, this is the Chinese Pagoda.

• Amsterdam: The citys’ canals are a must see experience • The Dutch Tulip fields: A most colourful sight.

• Spanish pottery factory: Painter using vibrant colours.

• Italy: View from Capri’s coastal terrace.

Newcastle Life Issue 9 33

What’s on

J U LY / A U G

Summer reading ch allenge Running from 15th Jul y at Clayton Library, kids can sign up and receive a special agent collector folder.

If they read at least six library books over the holidays they will be able to collect sticker s to crack the case and catch the crook! Complete the challenge and get a cer tificate and medal.

From 15th July

34 Newcastle Life Issue 9

e If you’d like to se ed your event featur n on the What’s O to page, remember email laura@ .uk timesandecho.co

arket r farmers Farmers M food from ou us lo bu fa of egrown A selection g fresh hom ers includin uc hand od , gs pr t eg ke & mar meat & free range cakes. e ad veg, organic em m eese and ho ldhall made pies, ch de of the Gui pm at the si 30 2. to am 9.00 ket. the main mar and next to ly Ju st Friday, 21

Midsummer Wakes Carn ival In conjunctio n with local co mmunity Arts B'Arts this ye group ar will see the return of the Midsummer W akes carnival.

You can expe ct something spectacular fo including wor r 2017, kshops and pe rformances fr West African om the drummers Jo lib , and perfoman from local da nce troops, H ces itmix Radio an window dressi da ng competitio n for local businesses.

There will be some worksho ps available in run up to this the year Saturday, 22 s Midsummer Wakes. nd July Weekly craft ev ents Held at Clayton Library, spaces for these craft sessions are lim ited so please do book early to av disappointment. oid

• Saturday 29 th July 2.30pm -Painting bug houses £2.

• Monday 31st July 4pm -Dec orate garden su catcher 50p n • Saturday 5th August 2.30pm -Decorate your own plant pot £1 • Saturday 12th August 2.30pm -Decorate a windchime £1 Colouring compe tition - closes 18 th August.

• Saturday 19th August 2.30pm - Scratch art magnets £1 • Saturday 26 th August 2.30 pm - Make 3D butterfly decora tion 50p

nt Summer reading eve holding a Summer Clayton library will be for children ages 5 reading event especially event is with e fre is Th . to 10 years old and author/ n author Christine Johnso at Clayton am ngh cki Bu tt Ma illustrator e. fre Library. 10.30am, gust Saturday, 26th Au eum the Potteries Mus Holiday Trail at ry and Art Galle find 12 holiday! Help him Ozzy Owl is going on s to ed ne he t museum tha things around the ly and Ju t ou gh ou thr y pack. Is on every da August. ly 1st July - 31st Ju

Newcastle Life Issue 9 35

SILVERDALE DASH AND FUN RUN

RUNNERS TACKLE DASH FOR CHARITY CASH field of 85 runners competed in the third annual Silverdale Dash - set in Staffordshire’s newest country park - as part of a charity fund raiser.

The multi-terrain five-mile route poses a challenge to any running enthusiast and rain on the day did not deter the stalwart bunch who took in the charity race.

Competitors from athletics clubs in and around Newcastle-under-Lyme and Stoke-onTrent were joined by runners from clubs across the Midlands and independent contestants for the gruelling dash.

Taking the top spot was Matt Hall from Shrewsbury Athletics Club, who completed the five miles in 29:17, ahead of second place Dan Hibberd from Boalloy with a time of 31:22, followed by Scott Zikmanis from Trentham Running Club in third with a time of 33:29.

The family event also included a half mile fun run, which was won by 12-year-old Harry Spooner with a time of 3:48, followed by

A

36 Newcastle Life Issue 9

Trentham Running Club members Tasmin Burley, aged 12, in second place and Jenny Bates, aged 13, in third.

For the first time this year, the event also included a family treasure hunt.

Proceeds from the event were donated to the Chelsea Burley Trust, Groundwork and Potteries Active Kids.

POETIC PETER INSPIRED BY THE STARS

NEWCASTLE POET

oetry, it is said, is the language of the soul. If this is so then retired postman Peter O’Rouke is certainly well versed, not only in expressing the thoughts of his inner psyche, but also in reaching out to those he is inspired by through poetry.

The 78-year-old, who lives in Buckmaster Avenue, Clayton, has been composing poetry since his school days and over the past six decades has touched on an array of different subjects with his rhyming prose.

“I like to write about all sorts of things,” Peter told Newcastle Life Magazine. “I have written poems about Newcastle people, friendship and even places I’ve visited.

“I have produced a few poetry anthologies of my own and have also had work published in magazines such as Poetry Today.

“My first poem was written while I was at school in 1952. It was published in the school magazine around the time of the Queen’s Coronation, just before I left school.”

Although he said it would be difficult to single out just one poem as his favourite, Peter told us that it has been some of the verses he has written in celebration of public figures such as The Pope and members of the Royal family which have brought him the most pleasure.

He continued: “Over the years I have written poetry and sent it to the Queen and to television stars like Dame Vera Lynn.

“I wrote a special poem to Pope Francis and received a reply from The Vatican. I have also had replies from the Queen, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and others.

“It always comes as a nice surprise to get a reply from someone famous because you tend to have to wait

P

quite a while to hear anything back from them.

“Poetry is something that I have always loved, whether reading it or writing it, and it feels really good to receive a response from someone you have written a poem for.”

Newcastle Life Issue 9 37

STUDENT SUCCESS AT MEDIA AWARDS AWARD WINNING FILM STUDENTS

FILM STUDENTS ARE TOP OF THE CLASS

ewcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC) film students are celebrating after enjoying success at the recent University of Wolverhampton (UoW) Media Awards.

AS Level Film Studies student Ben Hurt won Best Blog for his blog ‘The One Who Colludes’ and A Level Film Studies student Lydia Morgan won Best Writer for her screen play entitled ‘Vitality’.

Special commendation also went to A Level Film Studies student Chad Cliff for his A Level dissertation entitled ‘How are the central themes of deep existential crisis and angst communicated in central male protagonists?’ and AS Film Studies student Saul Garret for his film essay which explores the use of cinematography and mise-en-scène in the film text ' The Place Beyond the Pines’ in the category Best Film Essay.

The awards ceremony, which celebrated the

N

38 Newcastle Life Issue 9

wealth of journalist student talent across the West Midlands, was held at the Light House Media Centre on 19th June.

The winners fought off competition from over 60 vocational and degree level students across the West Midlands.

Commenting on her award, Lydia Morgan, said: “I wasn’t expecting to win, it was a regional competition and I was up against vocational and degree level students from all over the West Midlands. Obviously I’m thrilled as it will help strengthen my career prospects.”

Verica Travar-Williams, Curriculum Leader for Film Studies at NULC, said: “I’m incredibly proud of our students. The students had tough competition from vocational and degree level students from across the West Midlands. We hope to have more winners next year.”

LIONS GIVEAWAY

HUNDREDS OF POUNDS FOR LOCAL PROJECTS

hase two of the Newcastle Lions Club’s generous anniversary giveaway has seen several local groups receive well deserved donations to put towards their charitable work.

In 2017 the Lions Club of Newcastle under Lyme celebrate their 30th year. It is also the 100th year of Lions Clubs International, founded in Chicago USA and to celebrate, the club have made £3000 available for local groups to benefit from. £2200 has already been handed out to local groups, with £800 still up for grabs.

P

The recipients of the latest round of funding are pictured here.

Left to right are: Matt Ford; Kidsgrove Friendship Group £100 - help in funding visiting entertainers and bingo equipment etc.

Nick Wood; Porthill Scouts £200 - cooking equipment for their ‘getting Young People to cook and eat Healthy Food’ project.

Amanda Sanders; Silverdale Guides £200 support for the troop to go to Northern Ireland for adventurous activities.

Sara Littlejohn; The Lyme Trust £200 – to take 6 residents to the Stanley Head Outdoor Centre Louise Zandian; Lifeworks Staffordshire £200 – thank you party for volunteers Wendy Lear; Kidsgrove Care Solutions £200 -

assistance in purchasing outdoor and indoor sporting supplies and indoor craft supplies.

Back Centre is David Slack, President of the Newcastle Lions Club.

There are still funds available to apply for and the criteria are: - Groups applying must be based in Newcastle Borough, for the benefit of local people.

- There must be a specific project, with estimated costs and a breakdown of the project.

- Administration, meeting /venue hire or wage costs of a group would not be considered.

- Applications must include: Name, e-mail address and telephone number of Applicant Group Chair & Secretary; also the address for where the group meet.

- Donations must be used within 4 months of the Presentation, which is scheduled for the first week of October.

Applications can be made through the Lions email - newcastlelions@lions105bs.org.uk or by Royal Mail to Lions Anniversary, 1 Norman Grove, Basford, Newcastle ST5 0NF The closing date for this final round of applications is 31st July 2017.

For more information or to get involved with the Newcastle Lions Club, please contact at 0845 833 9573 or newcastlelions@lions105bs.org.uk Newcastle Life Issue 9 39

300 years of history UNITARIAN MEETING HOUSE

UNITARIAN MEETING HOUSE ANNIVERSARY he oldest member of the last active Unitarian congregation in Staffordshire has shared his knowledge of the building’s history as it reaches its 300th year.

The Unitarian Meeting House has stood in Lower Street since 1717 and worshippers there have joined forces with Letting in the Light - an arts company based in Stoke-on-Trent - and Heritage Lottery, in a bid to record memories and commemorate the building’s 300th anniversary.

The congregation have also embarked on a series of personal challenges in a bid to perform 300 acts to ‘make a difference’ in honour of the anniversary.

Newcastle-under-Lyme man, Frank Maddocks, aged 91, is the oldest member of the congregation and, as a keen recorder of local history, he has amassed a wealth of knowledge about the meeting house and the part it has played in Newcastle and on the wider stage.

A progressive religion born out of the tumult of the English Civil War Unitarianism has had a place of worship in Newcastle-under-Lyme from its earliest years.

The Unitarian Meeting House in Lower Street is the oldest free-standing building in the town and the only remaining active Unitarian place of worship in Staffordshire.

Ripe with

T

40 Newcastle Life Issue 9

history, the meeting house has seen some of the most prominent Unitarians of the age visit for worship and fellowship, and its long, prestigious past has been filled with drama.

Frank said: “There are so many stories - so much has happened in that meeting house.

“There have been many important people who have visited the meeting house at Newcastle throughout history.”

The Unitarian ethos of an open-minded and welcoming approach to faith, while rooted in Jewish and Christian traditions, was revolutionary in the late 1600s and in its earliest years attracted condemnation and criticism.

A meeting house was thought to have been built in Lower Street in 1685, but in 1715, the original building was set alight by local townspeople - enemies of the meeting house and the non-conformity it stood for.

Frank added: “A meeting took place in a public house in town, where the Mayor and some awful men decided that on that night, they would burn down the meeting house.

“St Giles nearby had a thatched roof at the time and the westerly winds made the flames travel, so on setting fire to the meeting house, the church next to it was also set alight.

“Women who were at the meeting were dragged out of the building by their hair and given a good kicking.”

An attack on Unitarians by orthodox Christians was not unheard of, although the attack on Newcastle’s congregation spread across the nation.

Following a court case at Stafford, compensation was awarded to the congregation to help rebuild their meeting house.

Frank said: “When the meeting house was burned down, the news spread all over England, right to London.

“The people at Whitchurch gave a

window to the meeting house as it was being rebuilt.”

The Unitarian movement was considered to be dissent and it was not until almost 100 years later, in 1813, that Unitarianism became legal.

The Newcastle meeting house saw some very influential people, during the latter half of the 18th Century, with records of strong connections to the Wedgwood family of Burslem.

Josiah Wedgwood (1730-1795), renowned potter and co-founder of the Unitarian Academy in Warrington, worshipped at Newcastle.

Joseph Priestley, a distinguished chemist and the discoverer of oxygen, conducted worship at the meeting house whilst serving as Unitarian Minister at Nantwich, Cheshire, in 1761.

The meeting house continued to serve its original purpose throughout the 19th and 20th Centuries and in 1926 an additional floor was added to the building.

In 1957 pews from the demolished Wesleyan Chapel in Brunswick Street, Newcastle-underLyme, were inserted in the congregational area on the ground floor.

Further alterations have been carried out in the later 20th and 21st Centuries.

Frank added: “The Unitarian Meeting House has been able to prosper because of its kind benefactors, who the Unitarian’s are always thankful for.”

UNITARIAN MEETING HOUSE

Newcastle Life Issue 9 41

LOTTERY FUND FOR UNITARIANS HERITAGE LOTTERY FUND

grant of £32,000 has been awarded to a Newcastleunder-Lyme congregation by the Heritage Lottery Fund for an exciting new project, Faith, Reason, Arson and Riot: The Old Meeting House and Its 300 Years.

The project will focus on uncovering memories, stories and histories about Newcastle Unitarians and their Grade II listed meeting house, culminating in a series of events in September 2017 to celebrate the meeting house’s 300th anniversary.

Thanks to National Lottery players, the project will document and share the unique history of

A

42 Newcastle Life Issue 9

the Unitarian Meeting House, in Lower Street, and present a series of creative community activities, including talks from visiting historians and intergenerational community workshops, for people to take part in. The project will also be looking for people to interview about their memories of the Meeting House.

Meeting House Chairman, Philip Silk explains: ‘The Grade II listed meeting house is the oldest nonconformist meeting house in North Staffordshire and has lots of history.

“Important historical figures such as Wedgwood, Darwin and

Priestley have links with the building. The original meeting house was burnt down in 1715 by rioters. The current meeting house was rebuilt and opened again in 1717 and has been an important building in Newcastle ever since.”

Commenting on the award, project manager Sarah Bonam, said: ‘The meeting house has such a rich history.

“It is great that we will be able to share it to a wider audience.

“Raising awareness of the building will hopefully contribute to its future.

“2017 is the 300th anniversary of the meeting house being rebuilt and reopened and we will be able to celebrate the anniversary with this National Lottery grant.”

Vanessa Harbar, head of Heritage Lottery Fund West Midlands, said: ‘Throughout its 300 years, the Unitarian Meeting House has witnessed many significant moments of English history.

“We’re delighted to support the Newcastle Unitarians to capture and share these fascinating stories, creating more opportunities for local people to engage with their heritage.

“This is all thanks to the National Lottery players who make our investment possible.”

The summer programme of events to mark the 300th anniversary started on Friday 14th July - 302 years to the day of the original meeting house being burned to the ground - with a graffiti workshop in which the burning of the meeting house was re-created in a mural and a performance and a talk by graffiti artist Murdok.

A number of upcycling workshops will take place throughout July and August ahead of the 300th anniversary celebration weekend on Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th September.

NEWCASTLE SPORTS AWARDS

SPORTING STARS SCOOP PRESTIGIOUS PRIZES

talented young athlete from Newcastleunder-Lyme is celebrating after she was awarded the title of Senior Sportswoman of the Year at a local awards ceremony.

Lucy Holt, aged 19 from Talke Pits, received the award at Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council’s Newcastle Sports Awards ceremony, which was held at Keele Hall recently.

The annual Newcastle Sports Awards celebrate Newcastle-under-Lyme’s past and present sportspeople and recognise nominees’ dedication, determination and devotion to maintain the great tradition of sport.

Lucy, who is a long distance runner, studying a HNC in Sport (Coaching and Sports Development) at Newcastle Under Lyme College, was shortlisted to receive the Senior Sportswoman of the Year award after being nominated by her tutors at the College.

Lucy recently represented NULC and the West Midlands in the Association of Colleges (AoC) Sport Cross Country National Championships and won gold, after competing against a number of other talented college students from across the country.

Lucy is also an active member of the College’s Academy of Sport programme.

David Sutton, Academy of Sport Manager at NULC, said: “We’re really proud of Lucy’s achievements. She’s worked so hard to continue her passion of long distance running without compromising her studies. On behalf of the College, I wish Lucy every success in her sporting career.”

A

The full list of winners are : Junior Sportsman Winner – Caleb Hill (Cycling)

Runner Up – Lucas Christer (Powerchair Football) Junior Sportswoman Winner – Ilenia Sims (Cricket) Runner Up – Olivia Moore (Netball) Senior Sportsman Winner - Adam Lucy Bradbury Holt (Volleyball) Runner Up – Andrew Woodvine (Powerchair Football) Senior Sportswoman Winner – Lucy Holt (Athletics) Junior Sports Team Winner – Newcastle Town Football Club Under 17s Runner Up – Newcastle Town Netball Club Under 14s Senior Sports Team Winner – St George’s Knights Powerchair Football Club Runner Up – Newcastle Town Netball Club Regional Squad Special Achievement Winner – Dennis Elliott (Cricket) Young Volunteer Winner – Sian Davies (Netball) Coach of the Year Winner – Esther Rutherford (Netball) Services to Sport Winner – Bernadette Hancock (Netball) Runner Up – Marie Barley (Volleyball) Newcastle Life Issue 9 43

QUIZ CORNER

Let’s get quizzical COMPILED BY PAUL STEELE

General Knowledge Quiz

1. Who had a number one hit this year with '7 Years'?

2. How many countries begin with the letter ‘J’ when written in English?

3. In which U.S. state was 'The Big Bang Theory' set?

4. Who is the host of the new interactive TV gameshow 'Don't Ask Me Ask Britain?'

5. Which James Bond film theme was performed by Garbage?

7. Which row of three distinctive stacks of chalk rise about 30metres out of the sea off the western extremity of the Isle of Wight?

8. Who is next in the series Miliband, Hague, Hammond?

9. Which river forms the boundary between Manchester and Salford?

10. Which singer has been married twice – to Renate and to David?

A 'Rain' quiz for St. Swithin's Day

1. Which group had a top ten hit in 1963 with 'Rhythm of the Rain'?

2. Which Ridley Scott directed film starred Michael Douglas in a film about two New York police officers who escort a criminal back to Japan?

3. Who played the part of Raymond Babbitt in the 1988 film 'Rain Man'?

4. Who had a number one hit in 1950s with 'Just Walking In The Rain'?

5. Who plays the character Rain in the 2002 film 'Resident Evil'?

6. The songs ' Good Morning' and 'Moses Supposes' comes from which 1952 film?

7. In which 1984 film did Prince play 'The Kid' with a talent for music?

8. What is the name of the group made up of the Pearson family who released the single 'Rain or Shine' in 1986?

9. From which film soundtrack did the song 'Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head' come?

10. Who had the top twenty hit 'Rain On Your Parade' in 2008?

General Knowledge Answers: 1. Lukas Graham; 2. Three (Jamaica, Jordan and Japan); 3. California; 4.

Alexander Armstrong; 5. 'The World Is Not Enough'; 6. Sid; 7. The Needles; 8. Johnson (Boris) - Foreign Secretaries in order; 9. Irwell; 10. Elton John. St. Swithin's Day Answers: 1. The Cascades; 2. 'Black Rain'; 3. Dustin Hoffman; 4. Johnnie Ray; 5. Michelle Rodriguez; 6. 'Singin' in the Rain'; 7. 'Purple Rain'; 8. Five Star; 9. 'Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid'; 10. Duffy.

44 Newcastle Life Issue 9

Quizzes compiled by Paul Steele (Question writer and Quizmaster) from Cheddleton email: pnsteele@aol.com

6. In 'Toy Story', what was the name of Andy’s neighbour who tortured the toys?

“LOOK AFTER YOUR FEET, YOU ONLY GET ONE PAIR”

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

he title of this piece is a quote from my mother, and one that I have carried with me all my life. Never has the importance of healthy feet been so apparent to me though, as since I started working as a Foot Health Practitioner. Examining a patient’s feet can give an accurate picture of that person’s general health and in some cases may offer the first indication that something is not as it should be.

This is because feet are ‘the end of the line’ for bodily systems such as circulation and nerves, and will therefore be the first to suffer if such systems start to break down. In conditions such as diabetes it is vitally important that feet are looked after properly as the illness can cause a reduction in sensation in the feet, so that sores or small wounds may occur without the patient realising. If the affected area is not treated, it is very likely to ulcerate which can result in unpleasant wounds that will not heal.

As we grow older, our feet may start to complain about years of mistreatment; all that time spent walking around in poorly fitting shoes, all those hours standing up at work. For most of us our feet are very much the poor relations of the body, receiving far less attention than other areas, until that is they start to complain! In addition, as we age it may be that we start to find it difficult to trim our toe nails as they are inconveniently situated at the furthest reaches of

T

the body. It is easy to see why the feet can end up feeling very neglected. But neglected feet can impact badly on our general health as they can be the cause of reduced mobility and instability. It is also pretty miserable having constant discomfort from overgrown or thickened toenails or corns and calluses.

So, be kind to your feet!

• Wash and thoroughly dry your feet regularly • Moisturise feet every day to keep the skin supple • Keep toenails trimmed without any sharp corners • Wear well-fitting footwear with ‘wriggle-room’ for the toes • If you are diabetic inspect your feet daily (or have someone do it for you) and have any sore spots attended to.

If you have problems managing your own foot care, contact a local Foot Health Practitioner.

Pegi Wilde Foot Health DipCFHP, MPSPract

FOOT CARE WITH A GENTLER TOUCH! A Complete Foot Care Service • Callus and hard skin removed • Corns treated • Routine nail trimming • Thickened nails reduced • Ingrown nails treated • Diabetic foot health and advice

Treatments in the comfort of your own home, evening and Saturday appointments available by arrangement Gentlest treatment methods used ALL EQUIPMENT FULLY STERILISED

Phone 07715 128962 pegi.wilde@hotmail.co.uk Newcastle Life Issue 9 45

LEGAL MATTERS

GRINDEYS SOLICITORS LAUNCH NEW WEBSITE DEDICATED TO FAMILY LAW

Divorce rates are in decline At a time when both marriage and divorce are in decline, Grindeys have launched a website dedicated to family law and divorce. The need for legal advice and support in this area remains crucial given the changing nature of society and family relations.

According to the Office of National statistics the number of divorces year on year is in decline, and has been since 2004. Certainly this trend is reflected in the figures for the last three full years. In 2013 the number of Decree Absolutes (the document which finalises a divorce) fell from 115,000 in 2013 to 102,000 in 2015.

This could be perceived as a positive trend, however the statistics need to be compared to two others: a decline in the number of marriages per year, a trend which started in 1973; and the increase in the number of people living together – cohabitees.

In 2013, the latest statistics available, there were 242,000 marriages in the UK compared to 426,000 in 1972. In 2012, there were 5.9 million people cohabiting in the UK, double the 1996 figure.

makes no provision for the rights of cohabitees with regards to property and possessions. As a general rule if you own it at the beginning of the relationship then you will own it at the end! That said, there are an increasing number of legal cases that have been successful in questioning the law’s stance on the legal rights of cohabitees. It’s only a matter of time before the law adapts to meet the needs of a changing society.

It should also be noted that the lack of marriage does not equate to a lack of children. 38% of these 5.9 million cohabitees have children together. The law does make provision for the rights of children regardless of the parents’ marital status and so demand for legal advice with regards to child arrangement orders, is increasingly high.

There is also a growing trend for grandparents to seek legal advice with regard to contact with grandchildren. Fortunately the English legal system does recognise the valuable contribution a grandparent can make to a child’s life, especially if they have provided childcare.

Increased demand from cohabitees, unmarried parents and grandparents Despite these figures the need for family law advice is not in decline. Approximately 42% of marriages will end in divorce – a sad statistic indeed.

Then there are the cohabitees. English law currently

Relationship agreements provide protection Today, compared to twenty years ago, people tend to be older when they ‘commit’ to a relationship and have often acquired a reasonable amount of wealth and naturally they want to protect it. This is reflected in the increased demand for documents such as the cohabitation agreement and the prenuptial agreement.

The changing scope of society and the families within it is why Grindeys have launched a website dedicated to these matters. The aim of the website is to provide families with access to family law information and the website includes content, news and features which anyone in a family crisis should find useful.

Daniel Rushton, Head of Family Law at Grindeys comments, “Access to information is crucial for families going through crisis. The website is full of general information but every family law case is different and the outcome is very much based on a person’s specific circumstances. This is why we have introduced a discounted fixed fee consultation for clients, which can be conducted either face to face at our offices or over the telephone. The consultation provides people with advice relevant to their situation. The consultation is not necessarily the start of legal proceedings. It is designed to give people a clear outline of their options.”

They also offer a fixed fee consultation created to meet the needs of business owners or people with complicated financial or family arrangements.

Daniel continues, “The website will be an ongoing project with a view to adding content and features based on client feedback and so we welcome, in fact actively encourage, any views and opinions about the website from clients and the public.”

The new website can be found at www.family-lawand-divorce.co.uk

www.family-law-and-divorce.co.uk 48 Newcastle Life Issue 9

MOTORING

NEW DACIA SANDERO TOPS LOWEST COST OF OWNERSHIP LIST

he New Dacia Sandero 1.0 SCe Access has topped cap hpi’s list of new cars with the lowest motoring costs in the UK. The latest analysis from the automotive data experts looked at the total cost of ownership (TCO) to reveal the cars with the lowest cost over the first three years of ownership, including purchase, servicing, fuel and other motoring costs.

The New Dacia Sandero 1.0 SCe Access came out first on the list, as well as topping the small car category at £7,419.64 for the first three years, or £206.10 per month. This was closely followed by the mid-range New Dacia Sandero 1.5 dCi Ambiance at £8,059 or £223.87 per month.

Other cars in the increasingly popular Dacia range also feature on the list. Coming second in the SUV category is the New Dacia Duster 1.6 Access SCe 115 4x2 with a total cost of ownership over the first three years of £10,405.31 or £289.04 per month.

Commenting on the results, Louise O’Sullivan, Head of Dacia UK, said: “It’s great to see that our range of no-nonsense cars are proving to be fantastic value for drivers in the UK, not just in the

T

initial purchase but offering low-cost motoring every day for our customers. By keeping things simple and offering customers only what they need, we’re able to provide the most affordable hatchback and one of the most affordable SUVs available to buy in the UK, combined with proven reliability and an award-winning track record.”

Since launching in 2013, Dacia has won numerous motoring accolades and recently sold 100,000 vehicles in the UK, establishing a reputation for incredible value for money and robust reliability.

*Prices shown are manufacturer’s recommended retail prices, available on featured new vehicles ordered and registered by 31 Aug 2017.

Prices shown include delivery to dealer, number plates, 20% VAT, 12-month government road fund licence and £55 first registration fee.

Newcastle Life Issue 9 49

SIX DECADES OF STYLE: ICONIC FIAT 500 TURNS 60 MOTORING

he legendary and iconic Fiat 500 – the world’s original city car – has recently celebrated its 60th birthday.

Rolling off the production line at Fiat’s Mirafiori plant in Turin for the very first time on July 4th 1957 the groundbreaking model quickly became a global phenomenon and went on to achieve cult status.

During its first production run, which finally ended in 1975, almost four million 500s were sold internationally, a staggering 400,000 of which can still be found on Italian roads today.

After two decades in retirement the 500 was reimagined and reborn to enormous critical acclaim and huge commercial success in 2007.

Perfectly capturing the spirit, charm and personality of the original and packaging with state-of-the-art technology, the second generation became a phenomenon and cult collector’s car in its own right.

To date more than two million sales of the second-generation model have been achieved

T

50 Newcastle Life Issue 9

worldwide and the model has won more than 40 top industry awards including World Car Design of the Year in 2009.

Throughout its lifespan, and all incarnations and special editions, one thing has remained true – the Fiat 500 has always been at the forefront of automotive style and fashion.

In its most recent form, the model has led the way in car personalisation, providing a huge range of interior and exterior accessories and enhancements that allow buyers to tailor a car that perfectly reflects their personality and sense of style.

Ashley Andrew, Managing Director of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles UK, said: “The 60th birthday of the Fiat 500 may be small in stature but it’s a car that’s had a massive impact on the automotive world.

“Few cars can claim to have made the same impression on popular culture and even fewer still have continued to inspire others and imbue passion for six decades.”